Following Dzogchen Rinpoche's instructions, he carried out a seven-year retreat at Upper Gang-Trö, near Dzogchen Monastery, during which he was helped by the Protectress Tseringma. Dzogchen Rinpoche also prophesized that the master with whom he had a special relationship by virtue of his past karma, and who would figure as his principal teacher was the great vidyadharaJikme Lingpa. So at the age of thirty-nine Dodrupchen Rinpoche travelled to Central Tibet and met Jikme Lingpa at his residence at Tsering Jong monastery in the Yarlung Valley. Jikme Lingpa recognised him as the future holder of his teachings, as had been foretold by Guru Rinpoche.